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The draft document states that the BBC must look to "contribute to the social cohesion and wellbeing of the United Kingdom".

Despite reports suggesting a Scottish Six would breach this Mrs Bradley told MPs the BBC had "operational independence".

And a senior Corporation source said: “This will be a straight-up editorial decision.”

The move towards a Scottish Six comes despite polls showing only a third of viewers want to see it replace the UK-wide bulletin.

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UK Culture Secretary Karen Bradley insisted the fate of the hour-long show is matter for the BBC

SNP politicians have long campaigned for the bulletin, and repeatedly accused the Corporation of bias during 2014 independence referendum.

The BBC is the nation's broadcaster and I expect the BBC to reflect the national mood

UK Culture Secretary Karen Bradley

The BBC has already created three pilots: one similar to the current format, one Scottish Six entirely anchored in Scotland, and a hybrid programme with presenters in both Scotland and London.

Earlier this year a cross-party group of MPs backed a show produced and anchored entirely north of the Border.

Previous proposals for a Scottish Six were ruled out in 2006.

BBC sources say concerns still remain over costs and quality of any replacement but it could still appear on Scottish screens from next year.

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Broadcast watchdog Ofcom will be given new powers to set minimum levels of output for Scotland

One said: "It is still being looked at. We are doing research on the format and hope to be in a position to look at this properly at the turn of the year.”

Responding to the SNP's culture spokesman John Nicolson, a former BBC journalist, Mrs Bradley said: "I want to be clear, the BBC is the nation's broadcaster and I expect the BBC to reflect the national mood and the national news, that is important across the whole nation.

"He is right that it is for the BBC, who have operational independence in this matter, to determine how exactly they make that happen."

Mrs Bradley also insisted the new charter, for the next 11 years, would ensure that "a strong, distinctive, independent BBC" would continue to thrive.

She said the licence fee would continue to fund the BBC but the Corporation needed to be accountable.

Broadcast watchdog Ofcom will be given new powers to set minimum levels of output for Scotland, and programme-making outside London.

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The Scottish Government welcomed support for better Scottish representation

While it requires Radio Scotland to be provided, as well as continued Gaelic services, it leaves the option open of another English-language station.

A spokesman for BBC Scotland said: "Work on our output continues and we expect to conclude that before the end of the year."

The Scottish Government welcomed support for better Scottish representation but described it the Charter as a "missed opportunity".

SNP Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop insisted country the will continue to receive a "paltry" share of the licence fee.

She said: "We've tried to engage positively with the UK Government and the BBC, which is why it's disappointing that this charter has missed the opportunity to fully deliver for the people of Scotland.

"We called for a charter which protects the BBC's independence and transformed it structurally and strategically, to ensure Scotland enjoys a far fairer share of the licence fee raised here - as opposed to the current paltry level of only 55 per cent."